Rihanna Performance in Northern Cyprus Spurs Controversy

WATERTOWN, Mass. (A.W.)—On Sept. 7 (Sept. 15 according to some sources), singer Rihanna was reportedly scheduled to give a free public concert at the inauguration of the luxury Fashion Castle Hotel in the town of Kyrenia in Turkish-occupied Northern Cyprus. Greek Cypriots and sympathizers began a campaign to prevent her performance there. Days passed since the scheduled day of appearance, and still no word on the event.

Some sources claimed that Rihanna would be joined by singer Justin Timberlake in a free concert that would celebrate the construction of not one, but two hotels in Kyrenia. Rihanna would earn $1 million; and Timberlake $2 million.

However, according to one source, Cyprus Today reported that Justin Timberlake was not going to perform in Northern Cyprus; and the country’s name had been removed from a list of countries Rihanna was scheduled to tour. The Weekly was unable to confirm this information.